19 Life Hacks Everyone In Virginia Really Needs To Know

Life hacks. We see them all the time and yes, it’s always good to know how to get most of the toothpaste out of the tube or the best way to store your cleaning supplies. But there are a few life hacks that are ESPECIALLY good for those of us who call Virginia home. From winter snow tips to spring cleaning to best ways to survive the summer, these tips are sure to help make your life a little easier throughout the year. At the very least, they’ll make you sound smart when you share them at your next dinner party.

1. Cold weather is officially here in Virginia. It’s finally time to turn on the heat. But ugh…that musty smell from the vents!

For a simple waterproofing solution for canvas shoes, coat them in beeswax (available at most hardware or natural foods stores), melt the wax with a blowdyer, then let them sit for 5 minutes. Voila. Waterproof.

5. The Holidays are here and family is on its way. That means cooking. A LOT of cooking. So why not try this?

Freeze herbs and olive oil in ice cube trays to ensure that you always have the perfect recipe starter to get a quick meal going. Pesto is a great place to start, but any combination of herbs, spices and oil will work.

6. When you're ready for some spring cleaning, dryer sheets are your best friend.

When it’s time to hit the beach, clean out an old suntan lotion or deodorant bottle with a wide top, then use it to keep your keys, money and even your phone sand-free and safe. Thanks to the folks at Trusper.com for brining us this great tip!

10. Another Trusper.com gem, for those of you who like to hike and camp in the beautiful Virginia countryside…this one’s for you.

Pack each section of an an empty cardboard egg carton with dryer lint, a coating of melted paraffin wax and a pine cone, then cut it into individual fire starters…or set the whole thing ablaze. You can also use charcoal briquets.

14. Sitting outside around a campfire or patio fire pit with friends is the best - until the mosquitos show up.

But if you’re hesitant to load up on chemical-based repellants, make a mixture of 1 part tea tree oil to 2 parts water, then spray on your shoes, socks, clothes and exposed skin. It works as a natural tick repellant.

17. Want to keep your lovely Virginia wine chilled but don’t want to water it down with ice cubes?

Try using frozen grapes as ice cubes instead. They won’t water down your drink, plus you’ll have a tasty little treat waiting at the bottom of your glass. Play around with different fruits, as well, and use them in any beverage you want to keep cool.

Reuse them as spice holders using the top from a container of Parmesan cheese. Thanks to the brilliant minds at TheMakeYourOwnZone.com, for this great tip! You can also use your jars as vases, places to keep bacon grease or a decorative cotton ball or q-tip holder in your bathroom.

19. And now for my personal favorite: A new twist on an old classic. The Apple Cider Mimosa. Yeah, I know it’s not really a life hack…or is it?

Let us know if you’ve ever used any of these tricks and better yet, how they turned out for you? Do you know any other life hacks that are perfect for Virginia? We would love to hear your contributions in the comments below!